Tips

How to Keep Rice Fresh and Avoiding Insects and Moths

To prevent rice from being infested by pests, such as moths and other insects, you can follow these small tips.

6 February, 2024

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Rice is an essential staple in Vietnamese households. Typically, housewives will buy 10-20kg of rice to eat gradually. However, rice that is stored for a long time is susceptible to moth attacks.

To preserve rice for longer periods without worrying about moth infestation, you can consider the following methods.

Put black pepper in the rice container

To prevent insects from entering the rice container, prepare some dried black pepper. Put the dried black pepper in a tightly tied cloth bag so that the black pepper cannot spill out. Place one bag at the bottom of the rice container, one bag in the middle of the container, and one bag on the surface of the rice.

Then, simply close the lid of the rice container. Black pepper contains natural antioxidants. They have a distinct flavor and aroma that repels rice moths. However, after a period of time, the black pepper will lose its aroma, and you need to replace it.

Put garlic in the rice container

Place a few unpeeled garlic cloves in different positions within the rice container to effectively repel insects and rice weevils. The strong smell of garlic will make these creatures scared and flee.

Use dried orange peels

After eating an orange, keep the peels and dry them thoroughly. When the orange peels are completely dry, place them in different positions within the rice container. The essential oil aroma from the orange peels will make insects afraid and hesitant to attack the rice. Moreover, the aroma of the orange peels helps to enhance the fragrance of the cooked rice.

Store rice in plastic bags

You can use ziplock bags to store rice. Divide the amount of rice you have into smaller bags and seal them tightly. Then, place the bags of rice in the refrigerator or freezer compartment, wherever there is enough space. The low temperature will prevent the insects from breeding. This storage method can preserve rice without degradation for 1-2 years.

If you don’t have ziplock bags, you can put the rice in plastic bottles and tightly twist the caps. Make sure the bottles are completely dry before adding the rice.

If the rice in your house has been infested by moths, don’t rush to throw it away. Wrap the infested rice in a plastic bag and leave it in the freezer compartment for 24 hours. The cold temperature will freeze the moths. When thawing the rice, the moths will float on the water surface, and you can easily remove them.

Remember to keep the rice container dry for proper storage. Store the rice in a cool and ventilated place, avoiding moisture and direct sunlight. After taking out the rice, always tightly close the lid of the rice container to prevent insects, cockroaches, mice, etc., from entering the container.

Source: Khoevadep